On Monday, 09 December 2024, in a significant step toward enhancing community development and academic collaboration, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and Lepelle Northern Water signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a formal ceremony held at the University’s Faculty of Health Sciences building boardroom. The agreement began a strategic partnership to drive skills development, capacity building, and collaborative research in water and wastewater treatment. The MoU represents a significant step in empowering UNIVEN students through hands-on training and practical exposure to critical industry processes while enhancing the University’s curriculum.
Signing the MoU: Prof Bernard Nthambeleni (right) and Dr Cornelius Reuters (left), LNW Chief Executive Officer
On Photo: Prof Eucebious Lekalakala-Mokgele, DVC: Teaching and Learning
In her welcome remarks, Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Eucebious Lekalaka-la-Mokgele, emphasised the University’s commitment towards collaborative engagement, commend-ed the signing of this MoU. She highlighted the contributions of the Centre for Teaching and Learn-ing, research efforts, and social responsibility, reflecting the institution’s alignment with the scientific community. Prof Lekalakala-Mokgele also commended the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture, Prof Natasha Potgieter, and staff members in this faculty for their instru-mental role in fostering collaboration and addressing diverse areas such as water and microbiology.
On Photo: Prof Benard Nthambeleni, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, Prof Bernard Nth-ambeleni, highlighted the signing of this MoU as significant between UNIVEN and the Lep-elle Northern Water (LNW), reflecting the University’s commitment to addressing community challenges, particularly in water research. He traced the origins of the partnership to strategic networking. He emphasised UNIVEN’s focus on impactful initiatives, such as establishing a Re-search Chair on the Water Environment, supported by national and international collaborators, including Chinese institutions. The Vice-Chancellor outlined the University’s strategic pillars, emphasising student-centered education, entrepreneurial growth, strong governance, and ro-bust partnerships. “Plans for growth, including satellite campuses and smart city collabora-tions, aim to alleviate capacity constraints and align with local economic development,” said Prof Nthambeleni. As he concluded, the Vice-Chancellor underscored UNIVEN’s sound finan-cial management, ensuring resources are effectively utilised for bursaries, research, and other core activities, establishing the institution as a trusted and dynamic player in higher education.
On Photo: Dr Nndweleni Mphephu, Chairperson of Lepelle Northern Water
Chairperson of Lepelle Northern Water Board, Dr. Nndweleni Mphephu, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that he is excited to be signing an MoU of this caliber. He commend-ed Lepelle Northern Water, which is comprised of a team of young, dedicated minds who work tirelessly to make a difference in people’s lives. Dr. Mphephu highlighted that there is severe water scarcity in South Africa, but we must begin solving this challenge at home before we can even go outside this province. “We need these students to help us produce first-class quality water. Our water treatment plant systems are not running efficiently, and we now need students to conduct research that will help solve these challenges. The security of the Water supply is critical. For us to come here is because we want to solve this water challenge in our province and country,” he said.
The ceremony culminated with the official signing of the agreement, followed by a symbol-ic exchange of gifts and a networking session. The partnership underscored the importance of uniting academia, government, and industry to address shared challenges and drive growth
The Vice-Chancellor also briefly explained how the MoU would be effectively implemented.
Prof Jabulani Makhubele, Director of Research and Innovation, gave the vote of thanks. He appreciated the work done by the Vice-Chancellor in making sure that the signing of this MoU became a success.
As this MoU takes effect, stakeholders from both institutions expressed excitement about the poten-tial for transformative projects that will benefit the University, municipality, and the broader community.ceremony
Prof Bernard Nthambeleni (right) and Dr Cornelius Reuters (left) holding the signed MoU
A group photo of attendees, participants, and witnesses of the signing ceremony
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Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
